ADVERTISEMENT
Sort

Filter & Refine

Manual
View Layout

FORD FALCON Used Car Review

The Ford Falcon was Australia's longest continuously running nameplate up to the cessation of local production in October 2016 - 56 years after it debuted as a US-based model. Ford's large car started to become more Australianised from the 1970s and it would eventually compete against the Holden Commodore in a famously fierce local rivalry. There were luxury models such as the Fairlane and LTD, ute spin-offs, and sportier models such as the XR6 Turbo and V8-powered XR8 of more recent times.

Pros

Cons

  • Roomy and comfortable interiors
  • Wide range of models
  • Excellent, torquey six-cylinder engines
  • Engineered specifically for Australian roads
  • Thirsty LPG engines
  • Taxi stigma
  • No longer in production
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
FordFalconManualAir conditioning?: YesClear all

Top2010 FORD FALCON FG XR6 TURBO 6SPD MANUAL SEDAN - VERY NICE EXAMPLE FINANCE AVAILABLE-TRADE INS OK!

  • 244000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

SUPER RARE - XR6 TURBO MANUAL IN DASH BRAND NEW 20" STAGGERED FR-I SIMMONS WITH NEW TYRES SPORTS SEATS - DVD HEADRESTS LOADED WITH FACTORY FEATURES HARD TO FIND XR6 TURBO 6SPD MANUAL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION!! The FG Falcon elevates Ford into an enviable position in the family-car class. All FGs are refined, well fitted out, dynamic on the road, comfortable and spacious. The six-cylinder 270kW XR6 Turbo winds out more torque than the XR8 with no less than 533Nm at just 2000rpm. It wields

$24,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
South Windsor, NSW

Dealer used
23 hours ago

Top2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Purple 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 151470 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2005 Ford Falcon XR8 Manual 6speed V8 5.4L sport Purple in very good condition/ 151,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/ Central Locking/ 2X Remote Keys/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ CD/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No Money Owing. For information please call

$18,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
23 hours ago

Top2002 Ford Falcon AU III XR6 Red 5 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 516457 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

Take a look at this vibrant, red 2002 Ford Falcon AU III XR6 Sedan.This vehicle features a robust 5-speed manual transmission, adding a sportier feel to your driving experience. It has been kept in good condition with an odometer reading of 516,457 kms. THIS CAR HAS SOME COOL FEATURES THAT INCLUDE, TICKFORD MANUAL XR6 AU! 4 LITRE INLINE 6! MANUAL TRANSMISSION! REAR WHEEL DRIVE! LOVLEY NOTE FROM EXHAUST! RARE, HARD TO FIND VEHICLE! RUNS AND DRIVES BEAUTIFULLY! YES WE HAVE FINANCE! YES WE ACCE

$5,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Kenwick, WA

Dealer used
25/04/2024

Top2008 FORD FALCON XR8 6 SP MANUAL UTILITY

  • 236000 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Regretful Sale. Offers Welcome. Ford FG XR8 Manual Ute. Has been a very loved daily driver for the last 7 years I have owned it. Only selling as I need a 4 door car now. This car is a great cruiser that turns heads with its excellent V8 note and lowered looks. Has been a very reliable vehicle for me and serviced meticulously and only ran on BP98 fuel. This ute is also a duel fuel vehicle so if you like a V8 but hate the cost of fuel, it can be run on LPG. The car has had the below works done

$21,000Negotiable
Hocking, WA

22/04/2024

Top2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Green 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 220996 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2005 Ford Falcon XR8 BA MKII Manual V8 5.4L sport Green in very good condition/ 220,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/Central Locking/ Tow bar/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ CD/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No Money Owing. For information please call CALL SAL

$19,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
9 hours ago

Top2004 Ford Falcon BA Mk II XR8 Yellow 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 307531 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Manual..!! Manual..!! Manual..!! Ford Falcon XR8 Manual Sedan in the Stunning Canary Yellow.....!!!!!! Don't miss your chance to own a Piece of Aussie Motoring History.....!!!! Be Quick as it wont LAST....!!!!!! We are Located in Western Sydney. We are a family run business and have been serving the Sydney area for over 45 years. We pride ourselves in only re-selling the best quality second hand cars. Every one of our cars come with a valid Pink slip / PPSR and Clear Title. All of our stock c

$18,980 Excl. Gov. Charges
Minchinbury, NSW

Dealer used
10 hours ago

2005 Ford Falcon Xr8 ENFORCER

  • 207000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Ford xr8 enforcer 6 speed manual

$19,000
Whyalla, SA

2 hours ago

2015 Ford Falcon FG X XR6 Ute Super Cab Turbo White 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 234085 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

Make an appointment to inspect a Vehicle 16 Queen Street, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560 Open Daily 9:00am - 6:00pm Book in for a Test Drive today Check out our range www.xtremecarsales.com.au With a great range of Warranty and Insurance Products Available we’ve got your back! WE BUY WE SELL WE TRADE Need to sell your car? We can assist with a Fast Hassle-Free Sale! A Range of Finance Packages available for Australia Residents and Citizens! Full time, Part-time, Casual, Pension and Self Employe

$28,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
Campbelltown, NSW

Dealer used
3 hours ago

2012 FG Falcon Turbo Ute MKII - Limited Edition

  • 195000 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

For sale is my 2012 FG Falcon XR6 Turbo MkII Limited Edition ute that I have owned since new This is the top of the line XR6T and with large screen full touch ICC and Black Carbon interior accents. Full leather interior. One of only 5 for sale in Australia. Overall condition is great and the vehicle has been meticulously maintained and serviced when due at ONLY Genuine Ford Dealerships. Upgrades include:- - Genuine 4-Pot Brembo Brakes (PBR rears) - NEW T3 rotors and QFM pads - Herrod Intake

$29,990Negotiable
Welshpool, WA

4 hours ago

2011 Ford Falcon FG Upgrade XR6 Black 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 184957 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

USED CAR CLEARACE CENTER. We are located in Melbourne’s West, only 25 Minutes from Melbourne CBD. Open 6 days a week, MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM to 5PM and SATURDAY 9AM to 4PM TO SPEED UP YOUR FINACE APPLICATION, PLEASE BRING WITH YOU *Your 3 most recent payslips *Most recent bank statement *Rental statement or rates notice *Centerlink income salary statement Come and see us today – Affordable, Reliable, Cheap cars. Cheap cars arriving daily.

$15,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Hoppers Crossing, VIC

Dealer used
6 hours ago

2012 Ford Falcon FG MkII XR6 Ute Super Cab Blue 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 141664 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

** VERY NICE 2012 FORD XR6 MANUAL COMMODORE UTE ** ** IMMACULATE CONDITION , MANUAL TRANSMISSION ** AIR CON ,POWER STEERING, AND BLUE TOOTH ** ** THIS CAR COMES WITH ALL ON ROAD COSTS INCLUDED** ** 2 OWNER SERVICE BOOKS, HISTORY ** ** WE ARE 30 MINUTES FROM THE CBD, AUSTRALIA WIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE** ** FREE PICK UP LOCAL RAIL STATION FOR NON MOBILE CLIENTS** ** FULL RWC, AS WELL AS A FREE 1 YEARS WARRANTY INCLUDED** ** 5 YEARS WARRANTY UPGRADE FROM AS LITTLE AS $15 PER WEEK OVER 2 YEA

$21,990 Drive Away^
Moorabbin, VIC

Dealer used
6 hours ago

2012 Ford Falcon FG MkII XR6 Ute Super Cab Blue 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 158522 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

2012 Ford Falcon Ute, FG MkII XR6 Super Cab, a versatile and reliable utility vehicle that combines performance and practicality in one. It's not just about looks, though. This vehicle offers a powerful performance, with a 4.0i, 6-cylinder engine that purrs under the hood, promising smooth and effortless rides every time. Inside, it features a super cab with two comfortable seats providing a spacious and comfortable environment for all your journeys. This Falcon Ute is perfect for those who a

$25,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
Campbelltown, NSW

Dealer used
6 hours ago

2007 Ford Falcon BF Mk II XR8 Ute Super Cab Maroon 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 113600 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

BF XR8 UTE MANUAL!! VERY LOW KMS! *FULL BOOKS AND HISTORY *STUNNING SEDUCE RED DUCO *VERTINI BLACK ON CHROME 19 INCH ALLOYS *NEW TYRES *JUST SERVICED *XR8 BODY KIT *CHROME SPORTS BARS *LEATHER SEATS *CRUISE CONTROL *POWERFUL 5.4 LITRE V8 *TOWBAR *POWER WINDOWS AND MIRRORS *REMOTE CENTRAL LOCKING *ICONIC AUSSIE UTE IN RARE 6 SPEED MANUAL THIS WILL BE A SOUND INVESTMENT WITH SUCH LOW KMS Thank you for taking the time to check out this amazing vehicle, please only send an en

$23,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Christies Beach, SA

Dealer used
6 hours ago

2010 Ford Falcon Xr8 6 Sp Manual 4d Sedan

  • 55559 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

This is a one of a kind vehicle, a rare 6 speed manual in great condition and with incredibly low kms. It was bought by me as a demo in March 2011 and only driven ~5,000Km a year. Regularly serviced, all original; chassis is straight, never been in an accident. Comes with the log book, Technology pack, beautiful metallic paint, tinted windows, boot liner, dash mat and leather seats, still has the original care pack. Registered until 4/24. There's no Roadworthy Certificate with this car as Tasma

$45,000Negotiable
Huonville, TAS

6 hours ago

2013 Ford Falcon FG MkII XR6 Blue 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 142742 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

2013 Ford Falcon FG MkII XR6 Blue 6 Speed Manual Sedan

$18,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Durack, NT

Dealer used
7 hours ago

2004 Ford Falcon BA XR8 Silver 5 Speed Manual Utility

  • 186686 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Ford XR8 V8 6-speed Manual BA Boss 260. This vehicle boasts reasonable kilometers and a well-documented service history. Long registration is available. It features upgraded instruments and is a pristine example. With nothing to spend this is a solid long-term V8 manual investment opportunity. Call and make your enquiry today. Trade ins welcome Speak to our Finance department about our great finance offers. This vehicle is also advertised at Auction on various Auction Sites. The best in the nor

$18,000 Excl. Gov. Charges
Thornleigh, NSW

Dealer used
7 hours ago

2011 FORD FALCON FG XR6 TURBO 6SPD MANUAL - VERY NICE EXAMPLE FINANCE AVAILABLE-TRADE INS WELCOME!

  • 193000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

SUPER RARE - XR6 TURBO MANUAL IN EDGE METALLIC BRAND NEW 20" STAGGERED FR-I SIMMONS WITH NEW TYRES LEATHER SEATS - UPGRADED SECURITY ALARM LOADED WITH FACTORY FEATURES HARD TO FIND XR6 TURBO 6SPD MANUAL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION!! The FG Falcon elevates Ford into an enviable position in the family-car class. All FGs are refined, well fitted out, dynamic on the road, comfortable and spacious. PREVIOUS OWNER'S PRIDE AND JOY... ABOSLUTE CREDIT TO PREVIOUS OWNER.. PLEASURE TO DRIVE! Great

$27,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
South Windsor, NSW

Dealer used
8 hours ago

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Green 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 220996 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2005 Ford Falcon XR8 BA MKII Manual V8 5.4L sport Green in very good condition/ 220,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/Central Locking/ Tow bar/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ CD/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No Money Owing. For information please call CALL SAL

$19,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
9 hours ago

2004 Ford Falcon BA Mk II XR8 Yellow 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 307531 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

Manual..!! Manual..!! Manual..!! Ford Falcon XR8 Manual Sedan in the Stunning Canary Yellow.....!!!!!! Don't miss your chance to own a Piece of Aussie Motoring History.....!!!! Be Quick as it wont LAST....!!!!!! We are Located in Western Sydney. We are a family run business and have been serving the Sydney area for over 45 years. We pride ourselves in only re-selling the best quality second hand cars. Every one of our cars come with a valid Pink slip / PPSR and Clear Title. All of our stock c

$18,980 Excl. Gov. Charges
Minchinbury, NSW

Dealer used
10 hours ago

2016 Ford Falcon FG X XR6T Gold 6 Speed Manual Utility

  • 158266 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

FORD FALCON XR6 TURBO UTE ++FIXED PRICED VEHICLE++ HAGGLE AND HASSLE FREE BUYING * SOLD INCLUDING NSW PLATES AND REGO * PERMITT CAN BE ARRANGED FOR INTERSTATE BUYERS * SOUGHT AFTER MANUAL * LOG BOOKS WITH GOOD SERVICE HISTORY * COLOUR CODED HARD LID * SATELITE NAVIGATION We test and inspect all our used vehicles all our used vehicles are sold including NSW registration and Road Worthy Certificate for NSW customers and NSW blue slip for interstate customers. We are located 1.5 hours north of S

$35,995 Excl. Gov. Charges
Rutherford, NSW

Dealer used
10 hours ago

2011 Ford Falcon FG Cab Chassis 2dr Man 6sp 4.0i White Manual Cab Chassis

  • 171010 km
  • Ute
  • Manual

ONLY A 1.5 HOUR DRIVE NORTH FROM SYDNEY – OUR CARS ARE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. TEST DRIVE NOW! Introducing the Ford Falcon Ute: a powerhouse of performance and versatility. This 6-speed manual beast is designed to tackle any terrain with ease, while its robust steel tray offers unmatched durability for all your cargo needs. Whether you're hitting the worksite or cruising through the countryside, the Ford Falcon Ute delivers power, precision, and reliability in every drive. Experien

$15,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Hamilton, NSW

Dealer used
11 hours ago

1998 FORD Falcon XR8

  • 202258 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 4.9L

FORD FALCON AU XR8 TICKFORD 1998 5 SPD. MANUEL…….. With the full Tickford Body Kit ( Dual Rear Spoilers ) In STUNNING Chilli Red Duco …. EXCELLENT condition inside and out……. Books Service History 3 keys and non smoker…… Owned for the last 20 years by very fastidious Ford Owner…… All ways Garaged &covered. Never driven in the Rain No Accidents no money owning not stolen clear PPSR……. Car is always serviced in January by the owner with all FORD Parts…… Using Shell Ultra Fully Synth

$27,998 Excl. Gov. Charges
Nailsworth, SA

Dealer used
12 hours ago

Ford xr6 Tickford

  • 220000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

1998 XR6 Tickford, 5 speed manual. , 4 new tyres, 4 new shocks absorbers, new windscreen, new battery. All original condition in excellent condition, electric windows front & back all working. 220,000 kilometers inspection welcome

$10,000Negotiable
Glenfield Park, NSW

13 hours ago

1986 Ford Falcon S-PAK 5 SP MANUAL 4D SEDAN

  • 210000 km
  • Wagon
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.1L

Original XF Falcon S Pack GHIA 1986 4.1 LTR 5 SPD Man

$19,800
Como, WA

13 hours ago

2003 FORD FALCON XR8 5 SP MANUAL UTILITY, 2 seats BA

  • 340000 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

FORD XR8 UTE 260kw V8 5 SPEED. MANUAL. BLACK PAINT. BLACK LEATHER SEATS. MAGS ... GREAT UTE NEVER LET ME DOWN RELUCTANTLY SELLING. IT'S A BIT ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES PAINT AND INTERIOR MOTOR STILL RUNNING AWESOME NOT BLOWING SMOKE BEEN WELL LOOKED AFTER... SELLING AS IS NO RWC OR REGO. SOLD AS IS CONDITION. CALL . I WONT SELL IT UNDER MY PRICE POINT SO NO LOW BALLERS OK GUYS OTHERWISE I'LL KEEP IT PUT A BLOWER ON IT AND DO 10second quarters in the RIG .. lol

$9,000Negotiable
Toowoomba Region, QLD

15 hours ago

2011 FORD Falcon XR6

  • 235665 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

Vehicle 2011 Ford Falcon FG XR6 Ute Super Cab Limited Edition Orange 6 Speed Manual Utility Body Colour Orange Doors 2 Seats 2 Cylinders 6 Fuel Type Petrol - Unleaded Capacity 4 Gears 6 Speed Gearbox Manual Transmission Manual Odometer 235,665 kms Drive Type RWD Rego CE85SQ StockNo 1727 VIN 6FPAAAJGCMBY40660 Fuel Consumption (Urban) 16.5L/100km Fuel Consumption (Extra Urban) 9L/100km Fuel Consumption (Combined) 11.7L/100km Towing Weight Braked 1200kg $19990

$19,990 Excl. Gov. Charges
Holtze, NT

Dealer used
16 hours ago

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR6 Blue 5 Speed Manual Utility

  • 287913 km
  • Ute
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR6 Multi Point F/Inj Manual Utility An absolute stella XR6... kept in pristine condition. You won't be disappointed! with good service history 4 Davey st Mandurah 6210 DL4471

$8,999 Excl. Gov. Charges
Mandurah, WA

Dealer used
20 hours ago

2005 Ford Falcon BA MkII XR8 Purple 6 Speed Manual Sedan

  • 151470 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 8 cyl 5.4L

RWC/ Rego/ Warranty On-site Finance Available/ Finance Starting $35 weekly Trade ins Welcome 2005 Ford Falcon XR8 Manual 6speed V8 5.4L sport Purple in very good condition/ 151,xxx kms/ Log book/Fresh Service/ Central Locking/ 2X Remote Keys/ Alloy Wheels, Body Kit/Almost New Tyres/ Cold air con/ Cruise Control/ CD/ Good Looked after, Clean/ Power steering, Power Mirrors, power windows/ Clear PPSR clear title, No accident History, No Written Off, No Money Owing. For information please call

$18,997 Excl. Gov. Charges
Archerfield, QLD

Dealer used
23 hours ago

2010 FORD FALCON FG XR6 TURBO 6SPD MANUAL SEDAN - VERY NICE EXAMPLE FINANCE AVAILABLE-TRADE INS OK!

  • 244000 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

SUPER RARE - XR6 TURBO MANUAL IN DASH BRAND NEW 20" STAGGERED FR-I SIMMONS WITH NEW TYRES SPORTS SEATS - DVD HEADRESTS LOADED WITH FACTORY FEATURES HARD TO FIND XR6 TURBO 6SPD MANUAL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION!! The FG Falcon elevates Ford into an enviable position in the family-car class. All FGs are refined, well fitted out, dynamic on the road, comfortable and spacious. The six-cylinder 270kW XR6 Turbo winds out more torque than the XR8 with no less than 533Nm at just 2000rpm. It wields

$24,950 Excl. Gov. Charges
South Windsor, NSW

Dealer used
23 hours ago

2013 Ford Falcon FG MkII XR6 Turbo Sedan 4dr Man 6sp, 4.0T White Manual Sedan

  • 133840 km
  • Sedan
  • Manual
  • 6 cyl 4.0L

We often get asked where are you located? You can now easily find Perths ONLY dealership under a HUGE digital billboard, East side of the Canning Bridge in Como…. We want your vehicle, ask us for a price today! **Perth Based** Please genuine Enquiries only, as we are charged per lead*** Comos ONLY dedicated Car Dealership, scroll down to see our location in the fine print** Call 13 OO 251 283 to arrange a viewing now! We want your old car and even if we cannot help you with your new vehicl

$29,971 Excl. Gov. Charges
Como, WA

Dealer used
Yesterday

Overview of the Ford Falcon

Overview of the Ford Falcon

The Ford Falcon was Australia's longest continuously running nameplate up to the cessation of local production in October 2016 - 56 years after it debuted as a US-based model.

Ford's large car started to become more Australianised from the 1970s and it would eventually compete against the Holden Commodore in a famously fierce local rivalry.

There were luxury models such as the Fairlane and LTD, ute spin-offs, and sportier models such as the XR6 Turbo and V8-powered XR8 of more recent times.

FORD FALCON GENERATIONS (SINCE 2002)

2002-2008

2008-2016

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel Consumption (not including ute models)

EcoBoost turbo 4-cylinder: 8.0-8.7 litres per 100km

LPG 6-cylinder: 11.7-13.5 litres per 100km

6-cylinder: 9.0 litres per 100km

6-cylinder turbo: 9.5-11.1 litres per 100km

V8: 13.6-13.7 litres per 100km

= Highly economical.

= Good economy.

= Average fuel use.

= Heavy consumption.

Servicing

SIMILAR MODELS TO FORD FALCON

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: FORD FALCON (FG, 2008-2016)

Watch out for a used Falcon that has been abused by a previous fleet-operator owner.

Clunks over bumps can mean worn suspension bushes.

A pulsing through the car when you apply the brakes probably means worn and warped front brake rotors. Sometimes these can be repaired, but usually new rotors are the best strategy.

The automatic transmission has an external fluid cooler, but these can fail, allowing coolant into the gearbox where it quickly wrecks both the mechanical and electronic functions of the automatic. Check the transmission fluid for milkiness that suggests the coolant and oil have mixed. If they have mixed, give that car a miss.

Make sure the central locking works perfectly, as this is an early sign of a failing body computer.

Check for low coolant level in the radiator. An O-ring at the back of the water pump is a common cause of coolant loss.